Tim...I guess the way I look at it is...how often with my 3 weight...frankly my 5 weight as well, do I put a fish on the reel? So infrequent that I don't worry about arbor size. My favorite reel is an old SA System 1 678 that I use for my small stream rod. For my 8 weight I use an Orvis Mid-Arbor. I bought it second hand after using a couple on guided trips. That was 4 years ago and I have had a number of stripers, salmon and some steelhead on the reel with no issue.I know the obvious complaints: smaller rate of retrieve and coiling line, but do these have any advantages, especially on the 3 wt. setups?
I think people really like the look of the LA reels...but honestly...on a 15 inch stocker do you really need to put the fish on the reel?